Newbie wondering about process of renting points

[trish4bruce]

We are planning a Mom, Daughter, and Granddaughter trip for next December( early Dec) and I thought I might look into renting DVC points. Unfortunatley I know nothing about the process. I looked on the boards for a newbie section but didn't find anything. Just wondering if someone could explain how it works - how many points it costs for a week, or if it is even worth booking through points instead of just booking a room the traditional way etc. If anyone could help me out that would be great.

 

[robinb]

You should first read the "Sticky" threads on the Rent/Trade Board to help you understand the process: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

There is also the Rent/Trade board FAQ (mentioned in one of the sticky threads): http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/RentTrade-FAQ.htm

You can find a point calculator in the FAQ which should help you determine how many points you need.

You should be aware that early December is a VERY busy time at DVC resorts. It's Adventure Season (the lowest point costs) and the resorts/parks are decorated for the holidays. If you want to get a reservation for that time I would recommend that you find someone who can make one in the 11th month window (in early January). Especially if you want to save money by booking a Standard View at Boardwalk Villas or a Value View at Animal Kingdom Villas. You will have to find someone who owns at the resort that you are interested in. In addition, I would not expect to pay bottom-dollar ($10 or less) for someone to make plans so far in advance. You will likely have to pay more to be able to book at that very desirable time.

Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

At AKV, you might even expect to pay $12-15 a point. You will want to get a member looking for you now because a member with the resort you want to stay at can make that reservation for Dec 08 in Jan 08.

Remember, too, that the member will fully control the reservation until the moment you check in. You will not be able to contact Disney to confirm the reservation. You will not be able to contact Disney to make changes, add requests, etc. Only the member can contact Disney about your reservation. If you have any problems, Disney will not get involved in the matter since it is between you and the member. You are not entitled to any DVC perks such as pool hopping, free valet parking etc. You will get limited housekeeping for a DVC points stay - your trash removed and towels replaced on day four of a 7 night or fewer stay. For stays of 8 nights or more, you get a full cleaning on day 4 and your trash removed and towels replaced on day 8.

Good luck planning your trip.

A studio and one bedroom villa sleeps four. A two bedroom sleeps eight. There are some one bedrooms at AKV that sleep 5.

 

[CarolMN]

Be sure you understand the member's cancellation/change policy - most members consider renting to be non refundable. Some will allow date changes, subject to availability and the status of the points used to make the original reservation. If there is a chance your plans will change or someone will back out, you will be better off booking directly through Disney.

Try to find an experienced DVC member since this is your first rental. Almost all problems come about when one (or both) parties don't really understand DVC - there are quite a few quirks/rules to using DVC points efficiently.

Good luck - your trip sounds like fun!

 

[trish4bruce]

Thank you to everyone for all your help. One question. When you rent points is the payment normally due all at once or by a certain date closer to the time you go?

 

[chalee94]

payment terms are entirely up to the owner, so it varies. (even if only half is required up front, the rest will most likely still be due well before you go since owners don't want to risk getting stuck with points that are close to expiring, if the renter backs out.)

here's another good thread for learning about renting:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1255828

 

[robinb]

Thank you to everyone for all your help. One question. When you rent points is the payment normally due all at once or by a certain date closer to the time you go?

It all depends on the DVC owner. Some owners require full payment and some will provide payment plans. Some owners will allow for refunds or re-bookings, some owners will not. A contract comes in handy so everything is spelled out. You should fully understand the owner's rules before you send any money to them.